Top Spots in Mindanao: Sarangani Province

Sarangani is a province of the Philippines located in the Soccksargen region in Mindanao. Its capital is Alabel and borders South Cotabato to the north and Davao del Sur to the east. This province is part of the South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-Gen. Santos City (Soccsksargen) development cluster, and is linked by paved roads to the international airport and world-class fish port of Gen. Santos City.

photo: Cocoy Sexcion

It is situated as the country’s major gateway to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines - East Asean Growth Area. With its proximity to its regional counterparts, Sarangani is in a unique position to marshal its resources, entice tourists and investors, and compete in an international market under a borderlines trade regime.

Strategically located at the southernmost tip of Mindanao, the province is protected by the resource-rich Sarangani Bay. Beyond this is the Celebes Sea, which is the province’s access to the rest of the world.
Bordered by over 230 km of unspoiled coastline, Sarangani offers more than 4,400 sq. km. of typhoon-free land and marine resources, largely untapped tourism potentials, and vast investment possibilities.
The province is divided into two parts, separated by the Sarangani Bay and General Santos City, and it used to be part of South Cotabato until it was made an independent province in 1992.Getting There
The nearby city General Santos has one of the Philippine’s oldest airport and is linked by paved roads to Sarangani Province. An hour ride by car or PUV from general Santos City will take you to this dazzling province. This is an estimated time if you’re heading to the Province’s heart which is in Alabel and approximately the same time for its other part which is located in Maasim.The Best of Sarangani
A visit to Sarangani will never be complete without stepping into the most talk about beach resorts here in Mindanao.

Gumasa in Glan Saranggani. (Photo from: nomadicpinoy.com)

Gumasa is located in the western part of Sarangani Province. Gumasa Beach is found in Glan, Sarangani less than an hour drive from the province capital, ALABEL. This side of the province is gifted with powder like white sand that embeds the crystal clear blue waters. Recently the government is helping private resort owners to enhance their facilities to attract tourists. The beaches around SARANGANI Province are ideal for Scuba Diving and other water sports activities.Tuka Marine Sanctuary in Maasim is great for snorkeling and diving. On a sunny day, one can marvel from corals and coral fishes just around the water surface and as you go deeper you’ll be amazed by the clarity of many unfamiliar sea creatures. Tuka Marine Sanctuary has four coves of pinkish sand and naturally shaped rocks that add to the beauty of the seascape during low tide.What You Shouldn't Miss

Not only it is gifted with alluring ocean pace, Sarangani Province is also surrounded by white rivers. I say it’s white because in here you’ll see one of Mindanao’s cleanest rivers. And is famous now for it’s so called “White Water Tubing”. This river is found in the eastern part of Sarangani; in a town called Maitum you’ll find Pangi River. It has this vast water current that adds excitement to adventurers as they hop in to the buoy and sway through water rapids. Lately this site is known to be “Sarangani's Water Tubing Capital”. This is the only town in the province which has exciting water adventure, fully equipped with water tubing facilities and well trained crews.Where to Stay? A- Montana Resort (former Isla Parilla) in Sarangani is an excellent getaway for tourist venturing around the province. This was once an exclusive resort for some elite people in General Santos City. Now it has evolved into an AA rating resort. Some unique features such as cottages that stand on stilts in the middle of a man-made lake, thus making it one of the Province’s finest resort and hotel. With its close proximity of around 15 minutes from General Santos City downtown district, this is a certified irresistible getaway. It is situated in Brgy. Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani.